Judge Matt Preston has revealed that fake dockets, recipe testers and contrived promos about 'one arm guys' are among the secret ingredients producers use to cook up MasterChef Australia.
The 53-year-old restaurant critic insisted that the producers have no say in the running of the program because the judges rule the roost, adding that he is "proud" that he and his team aren't afraid to stand up to show organisers and have "never" let producers influence their decisions, News.com.au reported.
Although diners walk through the doors of restaurants in challenges and demand particular dishes, the English-Australian food journalist has admitted the orders are made up to put pressure on the contestants, hence the "fictional dockets."
Preston explained that the aim is to feed them through like they would in a real service and that's not the only thing that's been fabricated; the recipes the contestants are given have been tried and tested numerous times before.
Preston noted that the secret is to give them a challenge that has just enough time and just enough pressure so they finish just as the clock ticks down, but they do finish and they do succeed.
The contestants are given the same amount of time that an ordinary cook at home takes to prepare the dish from the set recipe in order to prevent disasters from every angle.
The TV personality added that it's never good if they're judging five disasters, which is a terrible thing to do.